Flow alarm

ABSTRACT

Described are gas flow disruption alarms. The alarms can include a gas inlet; a gas outlet configured to couple to a gas delivery device; and a vibration member between the gas inlet and the gas outlet configured to produce an audible sound when a gas delivery device is removed from the gas outlet.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/286,041, filed Oct. 5, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/299,481, filed Feb. 24, 2016, andU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/238,273, filed Oct. 7, 2015,the entire disclosures each of which are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The present application describes devices that produce an audible alarmwhen a disconnection of gas flow apparatus occurs.

SUMMARY

Described herein are devices that can provide an alert when gas flowapparatus become at least partially disconnected. In some embodiments,the devices can provide an audible alarm.

In some embodiments, gas flow disruption alarms are described. Thealarms can include: a gas inlet; a gas outlet configured to couple to agas delivery device; and a vibration member between the gas inlet andthe gas outlet. The vibration member can be configured to produce anaudible sound when a gas delivery device is removed from the gas outlet.

In some embodiments, the gas inlet can be configured to attach to a gassource. The gas source can be a pressurized gas tank, an air pump, arechargeable gas tank, a gas distribution system, or a combinationthereof. The gas source can supply various gases that can be helium,nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, halon, Freon,compressed air, propane, butane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide,ammonia, methane, nitrogen dioxide, acetylene, or propylene. In oneembodiment, the gas is oxygen or another gas that can be hazardous orotherwise dangerous if leaked into a surrounding area.

In some embodiments, the vibration member is located within a bodyportion. The body portion can include an internal pipe that extendsbeyond the body portions' proximal end and is connected to the gasoutlet. In other embodiments, the body portion can be sealed against theinternal pipe thereby creating an internal volume between an interiorsurface of the body portion and an exterior surface of the internalpipe.

In some embodiments, the vibration member can be configured to attachand seal proximal end of the internal pipe thereby sealing the internalvolume. In other embodiments, the vibration member can be configured toextend over the internal pipe thereby sealing the interior of theinternal pipe from the internal volume. In still other embodiments, thevibration member can be configured to expand or lift at least partiallyoff internal pipe thereby creating the audible sound when the gasdelivery device is removed from the gas outlet.

In some embodiments, the audible sound created by the devices describedherein when disconnection occurs can have various characteristics thatmake it distinct and/or unique. The audible sound can have a frequencyof at most about 400 Hz. Further, in some embodiments, the audible soundcan be characterized as a musical note. The musical note can be a Dnote. In other embodiments, the musical note can be a D above middle C.Still other embodiments the note can be described as sharp of a D. Instill other embodiments, the sound can be characterized as a horn.

In some embodiments, devices described herein can be configured toproduce the audible sound when a disconnection occurs and a low flowrate exists through a device. In some embodiments, the low flow rate isless than about 15 L/min. In other embodiments, the low flow rate canless than about 10 L/min or less than about 5 L/min.

Methods are also described herein for using the alarm devices. Themethods can include attaching a gas flow disruption alarm between anoxygen gas source and a patient oxygen delivery line, wherein the gasflow disruption alarm is configured to produce an audible sound when thepatient oxygen delivery line is disconnected from the gas flowdisruption alarm. In some embodiments, the oxygen gas source is ahospital gas distribution system.

Kits are also described herein including an alarm device andinstructions for use of the device. Some embodiments describe kitsincluding a device, a patient breathing device and instructions for use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a non-limiting alarm device as describedherein.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the non-limiting alarm device illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the non-limiting alarm device illustrated inFIG. 1 without a cap over the vibration member.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the non-limiting alarm deviceillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the non-limiting alarm deviceillustrated in FIG. 1 attached to a gas delivery device or device thatrequires gas flow or gas delivery as described herein.

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the non-limiting alarm deviceillustrated in FIG. 5 with the gas delivery device or device thatrequires gas flow or gas delivery disconnected and an audible soundemanating from the alarm device.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the alarm device of FIG. 1 attached to ahospital oxygen delivery apparatus.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of the alarm device of FIG. 1 attached to acompressed gas tank.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a non-limiting alarm device where the inlet andoutlet are inline or axially aligned.

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a non-limiting alarm devicesimilar to that of FIG. 9 including a safety bypass.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein generally are gas flow disruption alarm devices. Thedevices can provide an alarm such as an audible alarm when gas flow hasbeen disrupted. Gas flow can be defined as any flow of gas through theherein described devices. Flow can be from an inlet to an outlet or froman outlet to an inlet. Flow disruption can be a partial or completedisconnection. Devices described herein can in some embodiments bereferred to as disconnect or disconnector horns.

The presently described alarm devices can function in many industries inwhich a gas needs to be dispensed from one place to another. In themedical industry, the gas is often oxygen and patients need or aredependent on increased concentrations of oxygen. Examples of gasdelivery devices to patients are nasal cannulas, facemasks, venti-masks,and bag valve masks.

Problems exist with oxygen delivery devices in that they tend todisconnect because the interface between the gas outlet and connectedhose is not standardized. This leads to a situation in which a patient'sflow of oxygen is interrupted. To compound the problem, there is noreliable way to identify this common occurrence, as low-pressure gasdistribution systems do not have alarms. Whoever is caring for thepatient needs to notice the oxygen is running but the end of the oxygendelivery device is no longer connected. These disconnections aredifficult to identify.

Oxygen dependent patients are often delirious, demented or beingactively sedated and cannot tell you they are feeling the effects ofhypoxia. This can lead to a catastrophic event such as hypoxic braininjury or death if not identified in time. To compound the problem,unidentified disconnections from a gas source lead to continuousexpulsion of gas into the ambient environment. Open oxygen flowmetersare often found running many hours or even days after a patient has beendischarged. This is an expensive waste of resources. Also, many gaseshave noxious or deleterious effects to the surrounding environment.Further, an open oxygen source can be a major fire risk in a patientcare setting. The herein described flow disruption alarm devicesalleviate and/or remedy some or all of these problems.

A non-limiting alarm device 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. Alarmdevice 100 includes a gas inlet port 102, a body section or portion 104,and a gas outlet port 106.

Gas inlet port 102 can be configured to interface with a gas source. Gassources can be sources of gas that can provide a flow of the particulargas through gas inlet port 102. Gas sources can include, but are notlimited to standalone pressurized gas tanks, air pumps, rechargeable gastanks, gas distribution systems, auxiliary common gas outlets (ACGO),auxiliary oxygen flowmeters such as those on anesthesia machines, andthe like, or combinations thereof.

Gases delivered to gas inlet port 102 can be virtually any gas.Non-limiting gases that can be delivered to gas inlet port 102 can behelium, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, halon, Freon,compressed air, propane, butane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide,ammonia, methane, nitrogen dioxide, acetylene, propylene, and the like.In some embodiments, the gas is a harmful or hazardous gas if the gasescapes or is not well controlled and/or contained.

Gas inlet port 102 can include a connection mechanism 108 that allowsalarm device 100 to connect to a gas source. Connection mechanism 108can be any mechanism that securely connects alarm device 100 to a gassource. Connection mechanism 108 can be, but is not limited to, a femaleor male threaded connection, barbed connection, force fit connection, orthe like.

Gas inlet port 102 can be connected to body portion 104 throughconnection tube 110. However, in some embodiments, connection tub 110 isnot needed and inlet port 102 feeds directly into body portion 104.

In one embodiment, gas inlet port 102 is a female internal threadedcoupling that can couple onto a hospital gas delivery tap from a gasdistribution system. In embodiments, a hospital gas distribution systemcan deliver oxygen. In some embodiments, the threading can be designedto the specifications of the Diameter Index Safety System (DISS) asstandardized by the Compressed Gas Association. The compressed gasassociation created DISS so that one cannot connect threaded connectionsof different gases together, so as to prevent connecting a wrong gasand/or undesired gas. In one embodiment, the thread described herein canbe a DISS oxygen thread. In one embodiment, an oxygen thread is calledDISS 1240 with a 9/16″-18 threaded connection. Other DISS threads can beused herein to provide gas flow disruption alarms specifically fordifferent types of gasses.

In other embodiments, the gas flow disruption alarms described hereincan have a standard thread size and include various DISS thread adaptersallowing a standard gas flow disruption alarm to be used with differentgas sources fitted with DISS threads.

Body portion 104 can house an internal pipe 112 that extends beyondproximal end 114 of body portion 104. Body portion 104 can be sealedagainst pipe 112 that extends beyond the distal end 116 of body portion104. This seal can create an internal volume 118 between interiorsurface 120 of body portion 104 and exterior surface 122 of pipe 112.

Proximal end 114 of body portion 104 can be fitted with a vibrationmember 124 that attaches and seals to perimeter 126 of proximal end 114thereby sealing internal volume 118. Vibration member 124 can extendover internal pipe 112 at proximal end 123 of internal pipe 112 therebysealing interior of the pipe from internal volume 118 until vibrationmember 124 is expanded or lifted at least partially off proximal end 123of internal pipe 112 thereby creating an audible sound.

The audible sound can be any sound at any frequency that can be heard bya mammal. In some embodiments, a mammal can be a human. In otherembodiments, the mammal can be a canine, feline, or the like. The soundcan be at a frequency sufficient to provide an audible sound. Thefrequency can be between about 100 Hz and about 500 Hz, between about200 Hz and about 400 Hz, between about 250 Hz and about 350 Hz, betweenabout 275 Hz and about 300 Hz, between about 290 Hz and about 300 Hz, atleast about 100 Hz, at least about 200 Hz, at least about 250 Hz, atleast about 275 Hz, at least about 290 Hz, at most about 500 Hz, at mostabout 400 Hz, at most about 300 Hz, or about 298 Hz. In someembodiments, the frequency can be about 294 Hz.

In some embodiments, the audible sound can be a musical note. In otherembodiments, the note can be a D. In various embodiments, the note canbe a D above middle C or sharp of D. In some embodiments, the sound canbe described as a horn sound.

Vibration member 124 can be made or formed of any material that canvibrate or resonate at a frequency that can create the audible sound.Materials suitable for vibration member 124 can be, but are not limitedto, rubber, latex, polychloroprene, nylon, or a combination thereof.

Internal pipe 112 can extend beyond distal end 116 of body portion 104and terminate at gas outlet port 106. Gas outlet port can be configuredto interface with virtually any gas delivery device or device thatrequires gas flow or gas delivery.

Gas outlet port 106 can include a connection mechanism 128 that allowsalarm device 100 to connect to a gas delivery device or device thatrequires gas flow or gas delivery. Connection mechanism 128 can be anymechanism that securely connects alarm device 100 to a gas deliverydevice or device that requires gas flow or gas delivery. Connectionmechanism 128 can be, but is not limited to, a female or male threadedconnection, barbed connection, force fit connection, or the like. In oneembodiment, connection mechanism 128 is a barbed fitting.

Non-limiting gas delivery devices or devices that require gas flow orgas delivery through gas outlet port 106 can be ventilation tubes suchas nasal cannulas, ventilation masks such as face masks, bag valvemasks, vacuums, vacuum lines, leak detection equipment, venturi masks,non-rebreather masks, and partial non-rebreather masks, respirators,therapeutic gas delivery devices, pneumatic tools and machinery,torches, burners, ovens, gas distribution systems, and the like. Anon-limiting functional embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 5-6. Asillustrated in FIG. 5, alarm device 100 can be connected to a gas source136 using connection mechanism 108. Gas flows from gas source 136 intogas inlet 102.

Alarm device 100 can be configured such that when connection mechanism108 is connected to a gas source and a flow of gas is fed into gas inletport 102, internal volume 118 fills with the gas and pushes vibrationmember 124 off of internal pipe 112 allowing the gas to exit through gasoutlet port 106 and into a gas delivery device or device that requiresgas flow or gas delivery. In FIG. 5, the gas delivery device or devicethat requires gas flow or gas delivery is a tube 138.

In some embodiments, gas inlet port 102 and gas outlet port 106 can berevered meaning that gas can flow into gas outlet port 106 and out ofgas inlet port 102. In other words, in some embodiments, flow can bereversed and the alarm device can still function.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, alarm device 100 can further be configuredsuch that when a gas delivery device or device that requires gas flow orgas delivery is disconnected, an audible sound 140 is produced. In oneembodiment, when tube 138 is removed from gas outlet port 106 when gasis flowing through alarm device 100 from gas source 136, audible sound140 can be produced.

In other embodiments, when tube 138 or another gas delivery device ordevice that requires gas flow or gas delivery is disconnected from gasoutlet port 106, vibration member vibrates as gas passes from internalvolume 118 into internal pipe 112 and creates audible sound 140described herein. This audible sound alerts surrounding individuals thattube 138 or a gas delivery device or device that requires gas flow orgas delivery has been disconnected from gas outlet port 106 while gas isflowing through alarm device 100 from gas source 136.

This alert for disconnection from gas outlet port 106 can be beneficialbecause gas that may be flowing to a gas delivery device or device thatrequires gas flow or gas delivery through alarm device 100 can behazardous. For example oxygen or hydrogen that is leaking into a room asa result of disconnection from gas outlet port 106 can be hazardous inthat it can be a fire hazard. Other gases can be harmful if inhaled orcan deprive individuals in the room of breathable air. Thus, alarmdevice 100 can alert of a disconnection to prevent harm from individualsin the surrounding area.

Further, an alert for disconnection from gas outlet port 106 can bebeneficial to a person relying on gas delivery. In some embodiments,medical patients may rely on, for example, oxygen flowing through alarmdevice 100 and into breathing apparatus to sustain life. In someinstances, these medical patients may not possess the ability to alertmedical staff of a gas disconnection which can be a life-threateningevent. Instances where this may be the case include patients that areunconscious, anesthetized, demented, delirious, nonverbal at baseline,or otherwise sedated for surgery or another medical procedure, emergencymedical circumstances where a patient may not be alert or unconscious,or instances where a patient is conscious and too weak or feeble torespond. Thus, alarm device 100 can alert of a disconnection to preventharm to patients that rely on the flowing gas to survive.

In some embodiments, as illustrated, alarm device 100 can include a cap130. Cap 130 can be configured to cover vibration member 124 and protectit from physical damage. Cap 130 can attach to proximal end 114 of alarmdevice 100. Cap 130 can include a hole 132 that allows pressure betweenbacking 134 of cap 130 and vibration member 124 to an atmosphericpressure or a pressure that does not differ substantially fromatmospheric pressure. Alternatively or in addition to hole 132, portionsof cap 130 can be a mesh protection network allowing air through whileproviding protection to vibration member 124.

Cap 130 can be attached to alarm device 100 in such a way that itprovides protection to a vibration member. Attachments can include, butare not limited to friction fit, screw, adhesive coupling, melting,soldering, welding, and the like.

Further, cap 130 can be configured to secure vibration member 124 inplace and seal it to perimeter 126 of proximal end 114 as described.This sealing can be by friction, adhesive, an o-ring 142, and the like,or a combination thereof. This sealing also prevents air from escapingbetween vibration member 124 and perimeter 126.

In some embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 3, a cap may not be required.If a cap is not used, vibration member can be secured and/or sealed inplace using an adhesive, o-ring 142, clamp 144 (such as a ring clamp),and the like, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, only anadhesive may hold vibration member to perimeter 126.

In some embodiments, the devices described herein can be configured toprovide an audible alarm sound when a low flow rate exists through adevice. A low flow rate can be less than about 25 L/min, less than about20 L/min, less than about 15 L/min, less than about 10 L/min, less thanabout 9 L/min, less than about 8 L/min, less than about 7 L/min, lessthan about 6 L/min, less than about 5 L/min, less than about 4 L/min,less than about 3 L/min, less than about 2 L/min, between about 2 L/minand about 10 L/min, between 2 L/min and about 5 L/min, or at least 1L/min.

In some embodiments, a flow rate may need to be of a particular value inorder for the alarms to function. In some embodiments, the flow is atleast about 0.05 L/min, at least about 0.1 L/min, at least about 0.5L/min, or at least about 1 L/min.

In some embodiments, the devices described herein may not function orare not configured to function at high flow rates. For example, devicesthat actuate whistles would not work in the present embodiments becausethe flow rate would be too low. Thus, the herein described devices maynot be considered high flow devices.

In some embodiments, gas can be pushed through the alarm devicesdescribed herein. In other embodiments, gas can be pulled through thealarm devices described herein. In some embodiments, the alarm devicescan function with some type of flow through the device.

The devices described herein can be formed of different parts that canbe assembled during manufacturing or on site prior to use. The parts canbe formed from processes such as injection molding, 3D printing, castmolding, pressing, or the like.

The parts can be formed of metals, polymers, or a combination thereof.The parts described herein are formed of polymers and/or metals that arerigid enough to hold a particular configuration and perform its intendedfunction. In some embodiments, the polymer used is a thermal set rigidplastic.

In some embodiments, if used for medical purposes, alarm devices can beformed of any appropriate medical grade material.

Metals can include, but are not limited to, brass, steel, iron,aluminum, copper, zinc, alloys thereof, or combinations thereof.Polymers can include, but are not limited to polyurethanes, silicones,polyesters such as polyolefins, polyisobutylene and ethylene-alphaolefincopolymers; acrylic polymers and copolymers, ethylene-co-vinylacetate,polybutylmethacrylate, vinyl halide polymers and copolymers, such aspolyvinyl chloride; polyvinyl ethers, such as polyvinyl methyl ether;polyvinylidene halides, such as polyvinylidene fluoride andpolyvinylidene chloride; polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl ketones; polyvinylaromatics, such as polystyrene, polyvinyl esters, such as polyvinylacetate; copolymers of vinyl monomers with each other and olefins, suchas ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymers, acrylonitrile-styrenecopolymers, ABS resins, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers;polyamides, such as Nylon 66 and polycaprolactam; alkyd resins;polycarbonates; polyoxymethylenes; polyimides; polyethers; epoxy resins,polyurethanes; rayon; rayon-triacetate; cellulose, cellulose acetate,cellulose butyrate; cellulose acetate butyrate; cellophane; cellulosenitrate; cellulose propionate; cellulose ethers; carboxymethylcellulose; synthetic and natural rubbers such as polysiloxanes, latex,polymerized isoprene, bromo isobutylene isoprene, chloro isobutyleneisoprene, polychloroprene, chlorosulphonated polyethylene, ethylenepropylene, ethylene propylene diene monomer, fluoro silicone,hydrogenated nitrile butadiene, polyisoprene, isobutylene isoprenebutyl, methyl vinyl silicone, acrylonitrile butadiene, acrylonitrilebutadiene carboxy monomer, styrene butadiene, epichlorodydrin; andcombinations thereof.

Alarm devices can have various sized parts depending on a particularrange of flow rates. In one embodiment, pipe 112 can have an internaldiameter of about 0.7 cm, about 0.8 cm, about 0.9 cm, about 1 cm, about1.1 cm, about 1.2 cm, about 1.3 cm, about 1.4 cm, about 1.5 cm, orbetween about 0.8 cm and about 1.2 cm. Further, pipe 112 can have anexternal diameter of about 1 cm, about 1.1 cm, about 1.2 cm, about 1.3cm, about 1.4 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 1.6 cm, about 1.7 cm, about 1.8cm, about 1.9 cm, about 2.0 cm, or between about 1.1 cm and about 1.5cm.

Further still, interior surface 120 of body portion 104 can becylindrical and have an internal diameter of about 2 cm, about 2.1 cm,about 2.2 cm, about 2.3 cm, about 2.4 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 2.6 cm,about 2.7 cm, about 2.8 cm, about 2.9 cm, about 3 cm, between about 2.4cm and about 2.8 cm.

Although measurements are given as diameters and imply a cylindricalconfiguration for the parts, other cross-sectional configurations can beused to provide an audible sound as described herein. For example,cross-sectional shapes can include, ellipses, ovals, squares,rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, nonagons, 11 ormore sided shapes, substantially circular shapes, parallelograms,trapezoids, or any other rectilinear shape.

The alarm devices described herein can be configured to be reusable ordisposable. In one embodiment, the alarm devices can be reusable. Insuch a case, devices can be washable and sterilizable using conventionalsterilization techniques. For example, the devices can be configured toallow multiple washings with a detergent or alcohol based cleanerwithout damaging the device. Further, for example, the devices can besterilized using gamma irradiation, autoclave, or other sterilizationtechniques.

In other embodiments, the alarm devices can be configured to bedisposable. Such single use devices are generally used for a singleprocedure or event and then discarded in an appropriate manner.

Methods are also described herein for using the alarm devices describedherein. The methods can include attaching an alarm device between a gassource and a device that uses the gas or a tube delivering the gas.Then, a gas is turned on so that a flow of gas travels through alarmdevice and out to a device or into a tube. This attachment arms thealarm device because when the device or tube is disconnected from thealarms device when gas is flowing through, the alarm device produces anaudible sound.

In some embodiments, the alarm devices described herein can aid aninstitution in saving money. Often, gas remains in the “on” positionoften overnight without needing to be simply because it was overlooked.This can be both dangerous, for example some gases can be hazardousand/or flammable and can be expensive as gas is being wasted. With thepresent alarm devices, if a gas is left on and tubing or a device isdisconnected, the audible sound will alert surrounding individuals thatthe gas is still on. The gas can then be shut off thereby saving moneyand reducing a potential hazard.

If disconnected from an alarm device, a device or tube can bereconnected to the alarm device to stop the audible sound. Oncereconnected, the alarm device is re-armed and can alert of anysubsequent disconnections.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, alarm device 100 can beattached to a medical gas delivery system 700. Such medical gas deliverysystems can be located in hospital rooms, physician offices, operatingrooms, ambulances, medical helicopters, medical airplanes, and the like.These systems, in some embodiments can be configured to deliver oxygento a patient generally through a mask or nasal cannula that may berepresented by or associated with tube 138.

Medical gas delivery system 700 generally has a tube or other deviceconnected to interface area 702. In a conventional operation, a tube isconnected vertically to a barb which in turn is threaded onto interfacearea 702. This configuration can lead to disconnections resulting fromgravity and/or gravity can aid in a disconnection resulting from thetube being tugged off the barb. However, using alarm device 100, tube138 can connect to connection mechanism 128 horizontally therebyreducing the assistance of gravity to a possible disconnect. Thus, inaddition to alerting people around an alarm device of a possibledisconnect, alarm device 100 can also assist in preventing accidentaldisconnects by reducing the downward forces on tube 138.

In some embodiments, connection mechanism 128 can be configured to be atan angle 704 less than 180 degrees relative to connection mechanism 108.Angle 704 can be less than about 180 degrees, less than about 120degrees, less than about 100 degrees, less than about 90 degrees, lessthan about 75 degrees, less than about 45 degrees, about 90 degrees,about 45 degrees, about 120 degrees, or between about 120 degrees andabout 45 degrees.

Medical gas delivery system 700 can generally be supplied with a gassuch as oxygen through feed line 706. Gas flow can be adjusted usingdial 708 and flow rate can be read on gauge 710. One common issue isthat if a tube is disconnected from medical gas delivery system 700while a gas such as oxygen is flowing into a tube, gauge 710 will notchange to a substantial degree to alert anyone of the disconnection. Thepresently described alarm devices, such as alarm device 100, areconfigured to produce an audible sound when tube 138 is disconnectedfrom connection mechanism 128. This audible sound can be used to alertphysicians, EMTs, nurses, hospital employees, other medical personnel,surrounding individuals and the like that a disconnection has occurredand for the necessary person(s) to initiate a reconnection.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8, alarm device 100 can beattached to a gas cylinder 800. Such gas cylinders systems can belocated in ambulances, hospitals, physician offices, research labs, fireengines, manufacturing plants, machine shops, auto shops, or any otherlocation where a compressed gas cylinder may be used. These systems canbe configured to deliver a compressed gas through tube 138 to a deliverydevice at the other end of the tube.

Gas cylinder 800 generally has a tube or other device connected tointerface area 802. Gas cylinder 800 can be connected to an interfaceusing clamping or securing device 806. As described, tube 138 can beconfigured to be attached at any angle 704. Further, gas cylinder 800can supply a compressed gas through feed line 804. Gas flow can beadjusted using dial 808 and flow rate and/or gas tank pressure can beread on gauge 809. A common issue is that if a tube is disconnected fromgas cylinder 800 while a hazardous gas is flowing into tube 138, gauge809 will not change to a substantial degree to alert anyone of thedisconnection. The presently described alarm devices, such as alarmdevice 100, are configured to produce an audible sound when tube 138 isdisconnected from connection mechanism 128. This audible sound can beused to alert surrounding individuals that a disconnection has occurredand for the necessary person(s) to initiate a reconnection before ahazardous gas fills the surrounding area.

In some embodiments, gas cylinder 800 can be used to deliver oxygen to apatient and disconnection can be dangerous to the patient as describedherein.

In some embodiments, alarm devices can be provided as kits. In oneembodiment, an alarm device can be included in a kit with instructionsfor use.

In another embodiment, a kit can include an alarm device, instructionsfor use, and a nasal cannula.

In another embodiment, a kit can include an alarm device, instructionsfor use, and a gas delivery mask system.

A non-limiting embodiment, alarm device 100 is illustrated in FIG. 9. Asillustrated, gas inlet port 102, connection tube 110, and gas outletport 106 can be inline or axially aligned. Internal pipe 112 can beconfigured to include an elbow 198 and extend from gas outlet port 106to vibration member 124. Body end 194 can be fitted with vibrationmember 124 that attaches and seals to perimeter 193 of body end 194thereby sealing internal volume 118. Vibration member 124 can extendover terminal end 199 of internal pipe 112 thereby sealing pipe interiorfrom internal volume 118 until vibration member 124 is expanded orlifted at least partially off internal pipe 112. As described herein,vibration member 124 can create an audible sound when the gas deliverydevice is removed from the gas outlet.

Another non-limiting embodiment, alarm device 100, is illustrated inFIG. 10. As illustrated, gas inlet port 102, connection tube 110, andgas outlet port 106 can be inline or axially aligned. Cap 130 can beconfigured to cover vibration member 124 and the area around it. In someembodiments, cap 130 can protect vibration member 124 from physicaldamage that would otherwise occur from outside factors. In someembodiments, unlike FIG. 4, cap 130 can be configured without holes 132.Thus, space 134 between vibration member 124 and cap 130 can be at agiven pressure and not allow outside air in.

In some embodiments, cap 130 can include a fail safe tube 195 that canallow flow between space 134 and internal pipe 112. Fail safe tube 195can have a one way valve 196 to prevent airflow into fail safe tube 195from internal pipe 112 during normal operation. During operation ifvibration member 124 becomes punctured, sealed over body end 194, orotherwise becomes inoperable, fail safe tube 195 can prevent disruptionof airflow to gas outlet port 106 by allowing airflow 197 through thefail safe tube and into internal pipe 112. Bypassing the inoperablevibration member 124 can prevent disruption of airflow during operationwhen replacing the device is not feasible.

In some embodiments, the herein described alarm devices can be used toconfirm the existence of continuous gas flow. Confirming continuous gasflow can be of extreme importance in some instances. In such instances,the alarm can be left in the armed position to confirm the flow of gasby continuously alarming. This can be an audible confirmation of gasflow alerting to a correct situation instead of alerting to anundesirable situation, such as when a nasal cannula line becomesdisconnected.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A 35 year old male is prepared for surgery. An alarm device as describedherein is attached to an operating room oxygen delivery system asdescribed herein. A nasal cannula is connected to the alarm device andair flow is provided to the nasal cannula at about 2 L/min. The nasalcannula is placed at the patient's nose and the patient is placed underanesthesia for surgery.

During surgery, when the patient is under anesthesia and generally notaware of his surrounding, the nasal cannula tube becomes disconnectedfrom the alarm device. As soon as the tube becomes disconnected, thealarm device produces a sound at a frequency of about 294 Hz. The soundappears to be that of a horn at about D above middle C or sharp of D.

The nearby nurse instantly understands that the sound is that of thealarm device indicating that the nasal cannula tube has becomedisconnected. She reconnects the tube to alarm device and the soundceases and the patient's surgery resumes.

Example 2

An 78 year old female with severe dementia and pneumonia is admitted tothe hospital. She is oxygen dependent because of her pneumonia. An alarmdevice as described herein is attached to a hospital oxygen deliverysystem in the form of an oxygen flowmeter as described herein. A nasalcannula is connected to the alarm device and oxygen flow is provided tothe nasal cannula at about 4 L/min.

Overnight, the nasal cannula tube becomes disconnected from the alarmdevice as the patient shifts in her bed. As soon as the tube becomesdisconnected, the alarm device produces a sound at a frequency of about294 Hz. The nearby nurse instantly understands that the sound is that ofthe alarm device indicating that the nasal cannula tube has becomedisconnected. She reconnects the tube to alarm device and the soundceases.

Without the alarm, it is possible that this severely demented patientwould not be able to alert a health care provider for her need foroxygen. This situation is exacerbated in a scenario in which a patientis getting sedation for a procedure and is unconscious.

Example 3

A 64 year old female is unconscious but breathing at the scene of anautomobile accident. Paramedics stabilize the woman. An alarm device asdescribed herein is attached to an oxygen tank's outlet. A nasal cannulais connected to the alarm device and air flow is provided to the nasalcannula at about 2 L/min. The nasal cannula is placed at the woman'snose and the she is placed in the ambulance for transport to thehospital.

In route to the hospital, the nasal cannula tube becomes disconnectedfrom alarm device as a result of a bump in the road during transport. Assoon as the tube becomes disconnected, the alarm device produces a soundat a frequency of about 294 Hz. The sound appears to be that of a hornat about D above middle C or sharp of D. Despite the road noise, thealarm sound is loud enough for the attending EMT to hear. The EMTinstantly understands that the sound is that of the alarm deviceindicating that the nasal cannula tube has become disconnected. Hereconnects the tube to the alarm device and the sound ceases.

Example 4

A 65 year old male with emphysema with a baseline oxygen requirement isbeing discharged from the hospital after recovering from a pneumonia. Analarm device as described herein is attached to a hospital oxygendelivery system in the form of an oxygen flowmeter as described herein.A nasal cannula is connected to the alarm device and oxygen flow isprovided to the nasal cannula at about 2 L/min.

As the patient is leaving, the hose for his nasal cannula is transferredfrom the wall oxygen flowmeter to his oxygen tank. As soon as the hosebecomes disconnected, the alarm device produces a sound at a frequencyof about 294 Hz. The sound appears to be that of a horn at about D abovemiddle C or sharp of D. The nearby nurse instantly understands that thesound is that of the alarm device indicating that the oxygen has beenleft on even though the patient is now receiving oxygen from anothersource. She turns off the oxygen flow to the alarm device and the soundceases thereby avoiding wasting oxygen. Since an open oxygen source isalso a fire risk, fire risk is also reduced.

Example 5

A 35 year old male is prepared for surgery. An alarm device as describedherein is attached to an operating room oxygen delivery system asdescribed herein. A nasal cannula is connected to the alarm device andair flow is provided to the nasal cannula at about 2 L/min. The nasalcannula is placed at the patient's nose and the patient is placed underanesthesia for surgery.

After surgery, when the patient is transferred out of the operatingroom, the nasal cannula tube is disconnected from the alarm device. Assoon as the tube becomes disconnected, the alarm device produces a soundat a frequency of about 294 Hz. The sound appears to be that of a hornat about D above middle C or sharp of D.

The nearby nurse instantly understands that the sound is that of thealarm device indicating that the oxygen has been left on even though thepatient is now leaving the operating room. She turns off the oxygen flowto the alarm device and the sound ceases thereby avoiding wastingoxygen.

Example 6

A 35 year old male is to undergo surgery under sedation. An alarm deviceas described herein is attached to the anesthesia machine alternateoxygen flowmeter. A facemask is connected to the alarm device and oxygenflow is provided to the facemask at about 6 L/min. The facemask isplaced over the patient's face for the duration of the surgery. Duringthe surgery, the facemask tube is disconnected from the alarm device andimmediately begins to produce a continuous sound at a frequency ofbetween about 290 Hz and about 300 Hz. The sound appears to be that of ahorn at about D above middle C or sharp of D. The operating room staffimmediately knows there has been an interruption in the oxygen supply tothe patient and the hose is reconnected.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities ofingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions,and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understoodas being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly,unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth inthe specification and attached claims are approximations that may varydepending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by thepresent invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit theapplication of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims,each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of thenumber of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary roundingtechniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameterssetting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, thenumerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported asprecisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently containscertain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation foundin their respective testing measurements.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar referents used in the context ofdescribing the invention (especially in the context of the followingclaims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural,unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as ashorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, eachindividual value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein. All methods described herein can beperformed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein orotherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and allexamples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein isintended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose alimitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No languagein the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimedelement essential to the practice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each groupmember may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combinationwith other members of the group or other elements found herein. It isanticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, ordeleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability.When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemedto contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written descriptionof all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Certain embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Ofcourse, variations on these described embodiments will become apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoingdescription. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ suchvariations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention tobe practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly,this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in theclaims using consisting of or consisting essentially of language. Whenused in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, thetransition term “consisting of” excludes any element, step, oringredient not specified in the claims. The transition term “consistingessentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materialsor steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novelcharacteristic(s). Embodiments of the invention so claimed areinherently or expressly described and enabled herein.

Furthermore, numerous references have been made to patents and printedpublications throughout this specification. Each of the above-citedreferences and printed publications are individually incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety.

In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the presentinvention. Other modifications that may be employed are within the scopeof the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation,alternative configurations of the present invention may be utilized inaccordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the present inventionis not limited to that precisely as shown and described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gas flow disruption alarm comprising: a gasinlet; a gas outlet configured to couple to a gas delivery device; and avibration member located between the gas inlet and the gas outletconfigured to produce an audible sound at most about 400 Hz when the gasdelivery device is removed from the gas outlet.
 2. The gas flowdisruption alarm of claim 1, wherein the gas inlet is configured toattach to a gas source selected from a pressurized gas tank, an airpump, a rechargeable gas tank, a gas distribution system, or acombination thereof.
 3. The gas flow disruption alarm of claim 2,wherein the gas source is helium, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, oxygen,carbon dioxide, halon, Freon, compressed air, propane, butane, carbonmonoxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, methane, nitrogen dioxide,acetylene, propylene, a hospital gas distribution system, or acombination thereof.
 4. The gas flow disruption alarm of claim 2,wherein the gas source is hazardous if leaked into a surrounding area.5. The gas flow disruption alarm of claim 1, wherein the vibrationmember is located within a body portion, the body portion including aninternal pipe extending beyond a proximal end of the body portion andconnected to the gas outlet.
 6. The gas flow disruption alarm of claim5, wherein the body portion is sealed against the internal pipe therebycreating an internal volume between interior surface of the body portionand exterior surface of the internal pipe.
 7. The gas flow disruptionalarm of claim 6, wherein the vibration member is configured to attachand seal proximal end of the body portion thereby sealing the internalvolume.
 8. The gas flow disruption alarm of claim 6, wherein thevibration member is configured to extend over the proximal end of theinternal pipe thereby sealing the interior of the internal pipe from theinternal volume.
 9. The gas flow disruption alarm of claim 6, whereinthe vibration member is configured to expand or lift at least partiallyoff the proximal end of the internal pipe thereby creating the audiblesound when the gas delivery device is removed from the gas outlet. 10.The gas flow disruption alarm of claim 1, wherein the audible sound is amusical note D, D above middle C, or sharp of D.
 11. The gas flowdisruption alarm of claim 1, wherein the audible sound is created by alow flow rate, wherein the low flow rate is less than about 15 L/min.12. A method of alerting that oxygen flow to a patient has beendisconnected, the method comprising: attaching a gas flow disruptionalarm between an oxygen gas source and a patient oxygen delivery line,wherein the gas flow disruption alarm is configured to produce anaudible sound at most about 400 Hz when the patient oxygen delivery lineis disconnected from the gas flow disruption alarm, wherein the gas flowdisruption alarm includes a gas inlet configured to attach to the oxygengas source, a gas outlet configured to couple to the patient oxygendelivery line; and a vibration member between the gas inlet and the gasoutlet.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the oxygen gas source is ahospital gas distribution system.
 14. The method of claim 12, whereinthe vibration member is located within a body portion, the body portionincluding an internal pipe extending beyond a proximal end of the bodyportion and connected to the gas outlet.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein the body portion is sealed against the internal pipe therebycreating an internal volume between interior surface of the body portionand exterior surface of the internal pipe.
 16. The method of claim 14,wherein the vibration member is configured to attach and seal to theproximal end of the body portion thereby sealing the internal volume.17. The method of claim 14, wherein the vibration member is configuredto extend over the proximal end of the internal pipe thereby sealing theinterior of the internal pipe from the internal volume.
 18. The methodof claim 14, wherein the vibration member is configured to expand orlift at least partially off the proximal end of the internal pipethereby creating the audible sound when the gas delivery device isremoved from the gas outlet.